Mr. Bill Hall was honored yesterday with a proclamation on behalf of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean for his contributions to the Greater Glenside 4th of July parade over the past 27 years.
Mrs. Carol Hall, Bill’s wife, was presented with a posthumous Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition beneath the parade’s newest addition: A larger-than-life American flag draped by two fire engines along Keswick Avenue.
The proclamation reads:
Bill Hall was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a pillar of the Glenside community. He is survived by his wife, Carol Mallen Hall, five children, and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Hall enlisted and served his country in the United States Navy. He later went on to serve his community as the coordinator of the Greater Glenside 4th of July Parade for 27 years. Mr. Hall’s service to our country exemplifies selflessness and bravery, and his dedication to planning and organizating the 4th of July Parade will have a lasting impact on the Glenside community forever.
It is my honor and privilege to recognize and pay tribute to Bill Hall for an honorable life and career, and to extend condolences for his passing.
Susan Shea, a friend of Carol’s and a Greater Glenside Patriotic Association committee member, helped the proclamation become a reality.
“We had discussed it for quite some time. I had received an email from Congresswoman Dean’s office wondering if we were going to honor Bill. I knew she had written a citation to honor Bill’s longtime service. I told her that we’d love to do it,” Shea said.
Organizers felt the flag’s location was perfect for the exchange. Jon Gerhard is the Deputy Chief at Weldon Fire Co. He was instrumental in contacting Jenkintown Fire Co. and Abington Fire Co.
“Bill really pushed for that flag, and it’s something we’re probably going to see again. Jon, Deputy Chief at Weldon Fire Company, and Krystle Gerhard were instrumental in making that happen. Jon contacted the Jenkintown and Abington fire companies,” Shea said. “Something maybe not everyone knows about Carol is that she’s always sponsored the [4th of July] morning program, the 5K, and of course the parade. She’s been incredibly dedicated to the community. For the last 30 years in early June she’s organized a yard sale for the Glenside Gardens Civic Association and hosts a block party for everyone after it’s over.”.
Governor Josh Shapiro is pictured above expressing his appreciation and condolences to Mrs. Hall as well.
“Carol, as a realtor and pillar in our community for 55 years, saw so many families that she once helped settle in Glenside attend the parade year after year,” Jamey Piggott, GGPA president (pictured above left with Congresswoman Dean and Mrs. Hall), said.
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Photos: Jamey Piggott